I have a 5 yr old Pentium Dell Computer. As it is getting older should I buy a new one or just rebuild?

Question

Didn't know if it was possible or worth having it "gone over" to clean it up and make it work more effeciently?

Answer 1

Let's be realistic - very few people can run an 5+ year old computer and not wait for it to do the smallest tasks - most of us install newer software all the time which expects a modern computer and we have to get a faster computer every few years.

Dell computers are usually very hard to upgrade because they are "minimum configuration" builders which means they don't pay extra for motherboards which can be upgraded - you will have to look.

If you keep it, you could open the case and clean it to remove dust which can cause heating problems in warmer months.

You could also add some more RAM to it if you can find the correct type - the current RAM may have a part number which would allow you to search for its specs or it may list the speed and type right on the label.

There is also "profiling" software like "Sandra" (free) which will tell you what is currently in your computer and make suggestions on how to improve performance.

Answer 2

There's an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", but you can probably get it to be more efficient by doing some cleanup work on it. One good program that's free to use and works well is called "Advanced Windows Care Personal", and it's available at the below link. Click on the "Get Freebie" button on that page, install the program, and run it. It does a really great job of bringing the pc to a more efficient state. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

5 years = get a new one. The only thing you can salvage is the case and the floppy drive. Everything else will be so old as to be not worth using any more. A new system can be obtained for around £300.00

Answer 4

It's not really worth ungrading an old computer unless you enjoy doing that sort of thing. It can be rather hard to change CPU's and other hardware. Also you risk damaging your computer from static on your hands. Unless you know what you doing I would just buy a new computer.

Answer 5

I wouldn't agree that only the floppy drive and case can be used. Just how well they can be used is another story. A lot has changed in the past 5 years. I would recommend buying a new one myself.

Answer 6

You should get a new one if you need it, but not just for the sake of getting a new computer. I know someone still using a comp 8 years old, and really all he does is surf the net and it works just fine.